Giuliana Treñas

Project: Manufacturing Perception: an Exploration of the Global Landscape of Political Influence Operations on Social Media

Social media is an entity that has permeated the lives of almost every individual in the modern world. This research investigates systemic influence operations on social media, where platforms with unprecedented global reach leverage engagement-driven algorithms to reshape perceptions and spread disinformation. While prior studies highlight social media’s negative impacts, such as mental health and misinformation (Barghieri et al., 2022; Aïmeur et al., 2023), the project uniquely maps stakeholders and tactics in political influence campaigns using a synthesis map to reveal patterns in global operations. By visualizing the ecosystem’s interconnected dynamics and hidden agendas, the research aims to empower users to critically navigate online spaces and mitigate manipulation.

Giuliana is a creative strategist and innovation consultant with experience spanning design research, strategic planning, and content development. Currently a Creative Strategist Intern at Autodesk, she supports operational process optimization and strategic initiative tracking. She has also worked with organizations like North York Community House and OCAD University, where she fosters community engagement and innovation culture. With a background in content design and media creation, her work blends analytical thinking with human-centered storytelling to drive meaningful change.